Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the two major layers of the skin?
What are the two major layers of the skin?
Epidermis and dermis
Where does mitosis take place in the skin?
Where does mitosis take place in the skin?
Stratum germinativum (basale)
What is the function of the stratum corneum?
What is the function of the stratum corneum?
Provides a waterproof barrier and protects against pathogens and chemicals
What do Langerhans cells do?
What do Langerhans cells do?
Signup and view all the answers
What do melanocytes produce?
What do melanocytes produce?
Signup and view all the answers
The skin regenerates every 14-20 days.
The skin regenerates every 14-20 days.
Signup and view all the answers
What are the functions of hair and nails?
What are the functions of hair and nails?
Signup and view all the answers
What tissues make up the subcutaneous tissue?
What tissues make up the subcutaneous tissue?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the major functions of the integumentary system?
What are the major functions of the integumentary system?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Integumentary System Overview
- The largest organ in the body
- Composed of skin, hair, nails, and associated glands
- Serves as a barrier against environmental hazards, regulates temperature and prevents water loss
- The skin is composed of several layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis
Skin Layers
-
Epidermis: Outer layer of the skin
- Composed of stratified squamous epithelial tissue
- Thickest on palms and soles
- Contains keratinocytes which produce keratin
-
Stratum Germinativum (basale)
- Innermost epidermal layer, where mitosis takes place
- New cells are constantly being produced
- Pushes older cells toward the surface
-
Stratum Corneum:
- Outermost layer of epidermis
- Consists of mainly dead keratinized cells
- Waterproof and prevents water evaporation
- Barrier to pathogens and chemicals
- Langerhans cells: Mobile, phagocytic cells
-
Melanocytes: Found in the lower epidermis
- Produce melanin, a pigment that colors the skin
- UV rays stimulate melanin production
- Melanin protects the stratum germinativum from UV radiation
-
Dermis: Inner layer of the skin
- Composed of fibrous connective tissue
- Contains fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin fibers
- Provides strength and elasticity to the skin
- Contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands
-
Hypodermis: Deepest layer of the skin
- Made of loose connective tissue
- Contains fat cells, blood vessels, and nerves
- Provides insulation, cushioning, and energy storage
Skin Appendages
-
Hair:
- Provides protection, insulation, and sensory function
- Grows from hair follicles, structures embedded in the dermis
-
Nails:
- Provide protection for fingertips and toenails
- Composed of keratin
-
Sebaceous glands: Connected to hair follicles
- Produce sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes and protects the skin
-
Ceruminous glands: Found in the ear canal
- Produce cerumen (ear wax) that protects the ear canal
-
Sweat glands:
- Help regulate body temperature through perspiration
- Two types: eccrine and apocrine glands
Functions of the Skin
- Protection: Barrier against pathogens, UV radiation, and mechanical injury
- Sensation: Contains sensory receptors for touch, temperature, and pain
- Excretion: Eliminates waste products through sweat
- Regulation of body temperature: Sweat and blood vessel dilation/constriction help maintain homeostasis
- Vitamin D synthesis: Exposure to sunlight allows the skin to produce vitamin D
Subcutaneous Tissue
- Found beneath the skin
- Primarily composed of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue (fat)
- Helps insulate and cushion the body
- Stores energy
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the details of the integumentary system, the body's largest organ, including its composition and primary functions. This quiz covers the different layers of the skin, their structures, and roles in protecting the body. Understand how the skin maintains homeostasis and acts as a barrier against environmental hazards.
